Moving Away from Farming
Moving Hay
A photograph of a farmer moving hay in Co. Wicklow in the 1990s.
Courtesy of Wicklow County LibrariesMoving Hay
Courtesy of Wicklow County Libraries
Courtesy of Wicklow County Libraries
Moving Hay
A photograph of a farmer moving hay in Co. Wicklow in the 1990s.
Courtesy of Wicklow County Libraries
Photograph of Old Tractors on Display
This photograph shows some beautifully restored old tractors on display at the Tinahely Show in Wicklow in 2005.
Macra: A way of lifePhotograph of Old Tractors on Display
Macra: A way of life
Macra: A way of life
Photograph of Old Tractors on Display
This photograph shows some beautifully restored old tractors on display at the Tinahely Show in Wicklow in 2005.
Macra: A way of lifeIrish farming was given a much-needed boost when Ireland joined the European Community in 1973.
Although the extra money from Europe worked in the short term, Irish agriculture did not manage to make itself self-sustaining. By the time subsidies were decreased in the 1990s, farmers found themselves struggling again.
Sons and daughters of farmers could see how difficult it could be to make a good living. People in Ireland used to have to work on farms in large numbers because education and other employment opportunities were very scarce. However, in recent times, educational facilities have been steadily improving. Therefore, most people finish school and have broader employment options.
Against this background, the last two decades saw young people leaving rural Ireland in large numbers. They usually go to work in business areas like information technology, industry and construction, which offer higher incomes and access to social centres.
Not all Doom and Gloom
Native Trees in Wicklow
Courtesy of Annette Kelly.
Courtesy of Annette Kelly.
What of the farmers who decide to stay on their land? In light of the falling European Union subsidies and very competitive international markets, many Wicklow farmers have found the best way to survive is to assist their traditional incomes with new enterprises.
Some have diversified into 'agri-tourism', such as farmhouse holidays and open farms. Others have invested in the renovation of outhouses as self-catering units.
The mountainous terrain of Wicklow is also suitable for quad bike racing, mini-golf courses, adventure parks, forestry and other enterprises.
Lastly, forestry is the most important alternative land use in Wicklow. The present grant system makes it an attractive proposition for farmers to plant trees, especially on poorer quality land.